[May 13, 2015]

Paralyzed Veterans of America to Donate Medical Transfer Boards to VA Spinal Cord Injury Centers Across the Country

Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) will donate 10 medical transfer boards to each of the 25 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spinal cord injury (SCI) centers across the country. Each of the transfer boards, which serve as assistive devices to help newly and/or severely injured spinal cord patients move from beds to wheelchairs for more independent mobility, will feature the Paralyzed Veterans' logo and the names of each military branch of service. Paralyzed Veterans' partner Leidos donated the funds to the nonprofit organization for the creation of the boards. Paralyzed Veterans National President Al Kovach Jr. and Deputy Executive Director Sherman Gillums Jr. announced the donation and unveiled one of the special edition boards to VA Secretary Robert McDonald during a recent tour of the SCI Center in San Diego. Leidos Vice President of Veterans Affairs Dean Thorsell and Leidos Executive Vice President Michael Leiter were also on hand for the unveiling.

L to R: Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) National President Al Kovach, Jr., VA Secretary Robert McDonald, Leidos Executive Vice President of Business Development and Strategy Michael Leiter, Leidos Vice President of Veterans Affairs Dean Thorsell and PVA Deputy Executive Director Sherman Gillums, Jr. at unveiling of special edition PVA medical transfer boards to be donated to VA Spinal Cord Injury Centers (Photo: Business Wire)

"Any paralyzed veteran knows the importance of a transfer board on his/her journey back to independence," Kovach said. "We're proud to be able to provide these boards to the VA spinal cord injury centers to assist with the care and rehabilitation of our nation's veterans. We thank Leidos for this special gift and ongoing support of our mission to ensure the highest quality of healthcare for our veterans."

"We appreciate Secretary McDonald's role in helping us give a voice to the most disabled veterans the VA provides care for," added Gillums. "This is one example among many that demonstrates how VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America work together to ensure the best care possible to newly injuredveterans at our spinal cord injury centers."

Leidos has a long history of supporting Paralyzed Veterans of America through event sponsorships and volunteerism. The donation of medical transfer boards reflects an expansion of the company's continued dedication to improving healthcare for veterans.

"Leidos is committed to supporting our veterans, and it is an honor to do so in such a way that will directly impact the quality of care and services they receive at VA centers across the country, and through Paralyzed Veterans of America," said Leidos Executive Vice President Michael Leiter.

The regional SCI centers that will receive the donated transfer boards are San Diego, Long Beach and Palo Alto, CA; Miami and Tampa, FL; Augusta, GA; Hines, IL; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; St. Louis, MO; East Orange (News - Alert), NJ; Albuquerque, NM; Bronx, Castle Point and Syracuse, NY; Cleveland, OH; Memphis, TN; Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, TX; Hampton and Richmond, VA; Seattle, WA; Milwaukee, WI; and San Juan, PR.

To learn more about Paralyzed Veterans programs and service for veterans, please visit www.pva.org.

To view photos of the special edition transfer boards, go to www.flickr.com/paralyzedveterans.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)

About Leidos

Leidos is a FORTUNE 500^® science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world's toughest challenges in national security, health and engineering. The Company's 19,000 employees support vital missions for our government and the commercial sector, develop innovative solutions to drive better outcomes and defend our Nation's digital and physical infrastructure from 'new world' threats. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $5.06 billion for its fiscal year ended January 30, 2015. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20150513006352/en/

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